Reliability of y33 q45?

[BAMAXXX]

Hey I am planning to get a q45 for a daily and was wondering how good is the car in terms of reliability?

I really would like to get something around 100-150k but theres a really good deal on a black on black one that is 170k, should I be worried about getting something at 170k? or should I wait for something that is under 150k?

[paranoidjack]

Hey I am planning to get a q45 for a daily and was wondering how good is the car in terms of reliability?

I really would like to get something around 100-150k but theres a really good deal on a black on black one that is 170k, should I be worried about getting something at 170k? or should I wait for something that is under 150k?

I am at 170k.

I have already replaced every component in the suspension, which totalled nearly $3k in parts when the car had 110k, and she is starting to need it all again.

A/C compressor just went out.

You'll need several thousand within several months to fix the inevitables.

Everyone wants to think the car is an exception, but I'm painfully realizing now even with my maniacal maintenance, nothing lasts forever.

But, it's a really great car. Relatively reliable but the parts can be expen$ive.

[BAMAXXX]

Is this doing your own work or taking it to the shop?

[paranoidjack]

I do all my own work, and those prices reflect that.

[Jesda]

Met a guy with 300k on his 97. Original transmission.

[paranoidjack]

I believe it - I'm at 180k and the transmission still feel 100% consistent.

[JOHNQ]

I believe it - I'm at 180k and the transmission still feel 100% consistent.

i wish i can say that about my AE, the 99 however has a smooth one

[Skibane]

There's a good reason why high-mileage Qs are so cheap: Expensive, hard-to-replace parts start breaking.

If it was me, I'd look for something with roughly half the mileage of the car you're considering - unless you enjoy wrenching on a vehicle more than driving it.

[Q45tech]

The transmission lasts longer due to lower torque output of engine and weight of vehicle, as it is essentially the 94 unit with a rearranged bell to accomidate the starter on driverside of VH41.

Obviously a 10% back off in torque does wonders......same with diff and driveshaft.............longer life especially compared to 90-93 Q.

I still wouldn't count on much over 200k for transmission unless you know how to examine internals...........but then again we've only replaced a dozen or so.

[BAMAXXX]

can anyone comment on the reliability of the engine?

[seldomseen]

Stay away from that Q45!! You've been warned.

[BadQ45t]

Compaired to a 2003 with that mileage the 2nd gen is a bargain.

This is a VERY VERY reliable car if properly kept. I have one with 92k on it and I have had ZERO issues to fix. Nothing. However at 170k things will need to be replaced.

I have indeed done the suspension, you'd have to do that on any car at 92k to keep it at OEM or better standards, but again the Q cost more to keep that way. I also religiously flush fluids and keep my car in top shape. I know Knock Sensors and some other things will be on the horizon, but overall 9+ years and not one major mechanical breakdown.

You could find a Maxima, Altima, Accord, etc that will be cheaper to buy parts for and there will be more of them. But they will not be no more reliable then a 2nd Gen Q, just cheaper to buy parts and more of them available. But for the same $$ you can get one for less.

So bottom line, 170k is alot, but given how nice these cars are you could for probably 10k over a 3 year period have one darn nice car (including original purchase price repairs).

[duck_3986]

I have a '98 with 147k miles. Bought it with 62k. I've replaced knock sensors, spark plugs, tie rods, brake pads, rotors and MAF. That's it. It's never broken down and left me stranded.

I've done all the work myself and the parts were not that expensive.

And the car was abused by the prior owner. I would bet they didn't do more than 2 or 3 oil changes in the first 62k miles.

[Q45tech]

Generally Asian V8 cars [not SUV] average 55% parts [MSRP] and 45% labor [@ $85 per shop hour].

Due to dealer higher overhead add ~ 25%>33% to labor cost.

This means that net net a dealers bill is 15-20% higher than an expert specialty shop.

I have survived with a 20 year old Q because I can buy expert technicans on weekends for $40 per REAL HOUR with every tools and lift.

Infiniti parts on average are less expensive than MB, Audi, BMW.

The liquids all cost the same and generall the quanities required are similar.

Watch out for EU V8 as they may hold 8 quarts of oil and 14 quarts of coolant and ATF vs 6 and 10 for Asian....................that's $60 more per year in just fluids.

Everything adds up on EU cars but over 10 years they probably don't cost more than $5,000 EXTRA over ASIAN ~ $500 per year EXTRA to maintain.

The Qusetion is do you feel comfortable spending $1500, or $2,000 or $2500 per year for M&R? AFTER you have restored the used car you purchased to near new mechanical condition.

[NightRiderQ45]

I believe it - I'm at 180k and the transmission still feel 100% consistent.

I am at 170k.

Man, you put 10k on your car in three days lol??

[Q45tech]

People get mesmerized by power this and power that and leather vs cloth and fancy lights NOT REALIZING that each and every item adds DOLLARS to monthly and annual cost of operation.

Think about a single optional item: A $120 item can easily add $2 per month when you add parts inflation and inefficient labor [not in a factory build situation].

[StandardProspect]

I daily drive a '98 with 190,000 miles.

This car has never left me stranded anywhere and I think it's pretty darn reliable. It comes with a cost though, matinence can be expensive. I bought the car for just over $2500 and in the first 3 months of owning it I put close to that much money into the car for some basic repairs.

I had the starter replaced along with a new battery and a couple wheel bearings.I replaced 2 ball joints, a control arm and swaybar link myself. I also changedout some fluids, a few blelts, and cleaned out the egr. This weekend she's getting new valve cover gaskets and spark plugs, along with rotors and pads up front. I think I'm also going to get new tires up front and an alignment as well. New struts, o2 sensors and the ks will also be replaced soon.

Bottom line, expect putting a lot of money into the car for repairs. I absolutely love ths car though, I think it's worth it. Some day my goal is an RB25 w/ 5-speed swap